Small Cell Data Forwarding With Dynamic X2-Core Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably forwarding data between base stations during secondary base station (SeNB) changes, leading to data loss and failures.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to support both direct and indirect data forwarding based on network conditions, utilizing X2 interfaces and operational and maintenance configurations to determine the optimal forwarding path, reducing data loss and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If direct data forwarding is used between base stations, then data forwarding efficiency is improved, but data loss may occur when X2 interface is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata forwarding efficiencyVSAvoiddata forwarding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic data forwarding path selection by enabling base stations to adaptively choose between direct X2 interface forwarding and indirect core network forwarding based on real-time interface availability. The source base station determines the forwarding path dynamically, switching from direct to indirect routing when the X2 interface is unavailable, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing efficiency when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The core network serves as an intermediary mediator when direct X2 interface forwarding is unavailable. Data is routed through the core network (S-GW) as an intermediate node, ensuring reliable delivery when the direct path between base stations is unavailable. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing an alternative routing mechanism that maintains reliability without sacrificing the efficiency of direct forwarding when available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If indirect data forwarding through core network is used, then data loss is reduced, but data forwarding efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata forwarding reliabilityVSAvoiddata forwarding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the forwarding path based on network conditions, using the more efficient direct X2 interface path when available and switching to the indirect core network path only when necessary. This dynamic selection ensures that the system achieves high efficiency during normal operations while maintaining reliability through the fallback mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent treats the direct X2 interface forwarding path as the primary, preferred route that should be used whenever possible. The indirect core network path serves as a temporary, fallback solution only when the direct path is unavailable. This approach minimizes the use of the less efficient indirect path, thereby reducing its negative impact on overall forwarding efficiency while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If only direct data forwarding is supported, then data forwarding efficiency is high, but data loss occurs when X2 interface is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata forwarding efficiencyVSAvoiddata forwarding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the source base station determine X2 interface availability before initiating data forwarding. This advance checking allows the system to proactively select the appropriate forwarding path, preventing data loss by avoiding direct forwarding attempts when the interface is unavailable. The path selection is made in advance, ensuring both efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, single-path forwarding approach to a dynamic, multi-path approach. The forwarding path is no longer fixed but adapts based on real-time interface availability, allowing the system to maintain high efficiency through direct forwarding when possible while ensuring reliability through automatic switching to indirect forwarding when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If only indirect data forwarding is used, then data loss is minimized, but data forwarding efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata forwarding reliabilityVSAvoiddata forwarding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic path selection that adapts to network conditions, using the efficient direct forwarding path when the X2 interface is available and switching to the indirect path only when necessary. This dynamic approach ensures that the system achieves high forwarding efficiency during normal operations while maintaining reliability through the fallback mechanism, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4167641B1Method for data forwarding in a small cell system
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4167641B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4167641B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4167641B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present application discloses a method performed by a first base station, BS, in a wireless communication system supporting a dual connectivity, the method comprising: transmitting, to a second BS, a first request message for adding the second BS; receiving, from the second BS, a response message including an address of the second BS for a data forwarding; transmitting, to a third BS, a second request message including a data forwarding address of the first BS; receiving, from the third BS, data based on the data forwarding address of the first BS; and forwarding, to the second BS, the data received from the third BS based on the address of the second BS.